Flat Top Grill Vs Flat Top Griddle
In your research on flat top grills Youll likely see it used interchangeably with the term flat top griddles.
Is there a difference?
Why yes, there is.
Its very subtle So look closely, or you may miss it!
Lets start with an outdoor flat top grill. This is the appliance well be talking about today.
Flat top grills feature flat metal grill cooking surfaces as opposed to traditional grill grates. They are heated with a burner underneath. The power source is often gas or electric.
Generally speaking Flat top grills often look similar to a tabletop griddle but are usually designed to be built into an outdoor kitchen.
Coyote 30 Flat Top Grill
Product Highlights
Cooking Surface Size: 503 sq. in.
No. of Burners: 2
Last but certainly not least We have Coyotes 30 flat top grill.
At first glance, it looks very similar to the other brands weve discussed. In many ways This is true!
Coyote utilizes complete heavy duty 304 stainless steel construction Its available in liquid propane and natural gas It features two U-Shaped burners.
These burners dish out 17,000 BTUs each for a total of 34,000 BTUs.
Two knobs allow you to fine tune the temperature on each side. You also get a good amount of cooktop area, to the tune of 503 square inches!
For those curious Coyote uses a piezo-electric ignition system.
Lets see whats in the warranty.
The lid, stainless steel frame, burners, cooking surface, and valves are covered under a lifetime warranty. The electric and ignition components are covered for 2 years.
For the price Coyote offers a seriously robust warranty!
Speaking of price How much does this flat top grill cost?
Currently, this outdoor flat grill costs $2,099.00.
Now that weve given you an overview of these brands Youre certainly wondering which one is the best!
Lynx L30ag Asado Built
Lynx L30AG Asado Built-In Gas Grill, 30-Inch offers the perfect compliment to any outdoor kitchen. The unique multi-layer grilling surface combines a thick layer of aluminum sandwiched between two sheets of stainless steel to provide even heat distribution across the entire span of the grilling surface while the 304 stainless steel ensures a long lasting durability. Underneath the All-Clad grilling surface are two Trident⢠infrared burners rated at 23,000 BTU each to provide responsive temperature control over the entire grill surface. This BBQ grill features a heavy 16-gauge 304 stainless steel construction with smooth welded joints and polished mirrored edges for a blend of style and durability that will stand up to the elements in any climate. With LED backlit control knobs and a hot-surface ignition this unit combines all of the requisite features of a high-end grill and then some – so you can create the best barbecue.
The Trident infrared technology delivers intense and controllable infrared heat when you select the upgrade to the Trident model. This innovative infrared burner provides infinite temperature control between high and low while the 23,000 BTU offers a wealth of heat across the unique ceramic design, delivering a robust grilling surface designed to quickly sear any item for a restaurant style crust.
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Arteflame Classic 40 Cooktop
Arteflame grills are without a doubt some of the coolest grills on the market in my opinion. Whats unique about their built-in configuration, as compared to the rest of the built-ins on this list, is that the Artiflame Classic 40 Cooktop is heated by a wood or charcoal fire, not gas.
That means you can kind of have the best of both worlds you get even, beautiful cooks on the carbon steel cook surface while your food absorbs the delicious smoke flavor that can only come from a wood or charcoal grill.
Not to mention, Arteflame grills are aesthetically beautiful, almost artistic. They make a great centerpiece to any outdoor kitchen set up and are sure to draw people in for epic cookout memories.
The grill has a fire pit in the center where you build your fire. The fire then heats the circular cooking surface where your food is cooked. Whats really cool is that the inside of the cooktop ring will get scorching hot with a big enough fire while the outside of the ring stays relatively cooler, around 250ºF. Practically, this makes it quite easy to cook different types of food at different temperatures at the same time.
For a closer look at this grill and all it has to offer, check out our Arteflame review next!
What Sets Le Griddle Apart
Le Griddle’s dual plate system is a game changer. Not only does the cast iron subplate ensure incredibly even and consistent heating across your cooktop, it makes clean up and maintaining your griddle a breeze. You don’t have to worry about discoloration or tapering performance over time with Le Griddle products.
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Blaze Premium Lte Outdoor Griddle
Product Highlights
This 30 inch flat top from Blaze is first on our list.
Featuring complete 304 stainless steel constructionThese griddle grills are made with excellent materials!
How about cooking power?
The Blaze Premium LTE features two U-shaped gas burners. Each has an 18,000 BTU output capacity, for a total of 36,000 BTUs.
Theres plenty of heat for a robust sear!
And with two control knobs You can easily manage two independently controlled cooking zones.
The 495 square inch cooking area provides plenty of space for most grilling enthusiasts.
For a fuel source This is an outdoor gas flat top grill.
The Blaze Premium LTE is ignited with a piezo-electric system. In case you were curious.
Blaze offers a lifetime warranty on the lid, stainless steel frame, burners, cooking surface, and valves. Electric and ignition components are covered for 1 year.
We love to see it!
Wondering about the price tag?
The current price on BBQ Guys is $2,219.99.
Overall The Blaze Premium LTE is a solid option for your outdoor kitchen.
Built In Flat Top Grill Brands
There are an immense amount of built in outdoor flat top grill brands out there
Its truly endless!
These flat top grills are designed to be built into an outdoor kitchen.
Lets discuss the most popular best flat top grills for your outdoor kitchen project.
Note: These flat top grills are in no particular order of best to worst. Although. We will share which is our favorite at the end.
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Le Griddle Outdoor Flat Top Grill Built In
Product Highlights
Next, we have Le Griddle.
As you could guess from the name These flat top grills are designed and manufactured in France.
Le Griddle Original is a combo unit designed for both built-in and countertop use.
Le Griddle Original contains two burners with a U-shape and a total of 18,000 BTU output. This is exactly half of Blaze!
Due to the lower heat output Le Griddle will be best for low temperature cooking.
Other features include complete 304 stainless steel construction with 465 square inches of cooking area.
Unlike many flat top grillsLe Griddle features a dual plate system. There is a stainless steel griddle top plate with a cast iron plate underneath. This provides more even heat distribution when cooking.
Le Griddle Original is an outdoor propane gas grill with flat top. If youre looking for natural gas Versatility allows this flat top to be converted for your needs.
How about the warranty?
Le Griddle offers a lifetime warranty on their dual plate system. The stainless steel gas burners are warrantied for 5 years. All other parts are covered for 1 year.
Compared to Blaze Le Griddles warranty is a bit less robust.
Le Griddle also offers flat top grills in multiple sizes. Theres a 16 inch, 30 inch, and 41 inch model. These options make sure youll have enough space when outdoor cooking.
As far as price goes The 30 inch model is currently $1,999.00 on BBQ Guys.
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What Sets Blaze Apart
Blaze is one of the best known brands in the outdoor grilling & outdoor kitchen space. They offer a wide variety of quality outdoor kitchen products – so if you’re looking to match brands your built-in flat top grill with undercounter cabinets, drawers, or even a traditional grill, you can find Blaze products to complete your project.
They also back their products with one of the best in industry warranties.
Lynx Asado 30 Inch Built
Lynx is a staple in the world of custom outdoor kitchens, and their Asado 30 Inch Built-in Flat Top Grill lives up to the lofty standard that they have set. This grill has a pretty hefty price tag but if its in the cards for you youre handsomely rewarded with a 495 square inch cooking surface area that is constructed with the absolute highest quality materials.
The chasis is made of professional grade 304 stainless steel and the cooking surface is a multi layer all clad aluminum build that has two sheets of stainless steel also built in to provide perfect heat distribution. The cooking area is heated by two 23,000 BTU burners, which are the most powerful set of burners of any grill on this list.
The unit is loaded with blue LED control panel accents that look really nice aesthetically and help to illuminate your set up for night time cooks.
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Choosing The Best Built
There you have it! 5 of the best built-in flat-top grills on the market. Any of these would work well, but would they work well for you? And how would you know?
Weve included this guide to help you figure out which grill would be the best based on all the things you dont know about them yet. Read on to find out just what that is!
What Sets Alfresco Apart
Here the unique feature is the power burner configuration. While it’s not a pure griddle, the power burner style set up will afford you with options that the other units on this list of the best built-in flat top grills simply won’t.
Check out our Alfresco resources here:
- Dual ring burners can put out up to 65,000 BTU’s of output
- Each ring has it’s own burner control
- Griddle top is made of quality 304 stainless steel
- VersaPower has many other accessories to utilize
- Alfresco has a wide offering of complimentary grills and outdoor kitchen products
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What Accessories Do I Need For A Flat Top Grill
Flat-top grills are great for cooking, but you need more than just the griddle to be able to have the best cooking experience possible. Thats where the accessories come in.
Some flat-top grills will come with these included while others wont so its important to check the list of included accessories before purchasing.
The important accessories that you should look out for are:
- Griddle scraper
These are key for optimal day to day cooking and cleaning on your griddle.
Outdoor Flat Top Grill Review: The 9 Best Products In 2022
When considering appliances for your outdoor space Most people focus on the grill as the star.
It makes sense.
Throwing burgers on the grill is an integral part of our barbecue culture.
Hardly any of us could imagine a cookout without a grill!
At the same timeThere is so much variety in the world of outdoor cooking.
An outdoor flat top grill is an excellent example.
Little known and massively underrated Its time to bring these amazing appliances to light!
Lets dive in.
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The Best Outdoor Flat Top Grill
We dont mean to trick you here But were not in the business of giving you the best flat top grills option.
At the end of the day Everyone has unique needs.
Much of this comes down to personal preference!
At the same time There is a flat top grill that is an excellent overall recommendation.
Which brand do we recommend?
Coyote.
Now, we have to provide full disclosure here. For our outdoor kitchens We solely work with Coyote for our outdoor appliances.
So make of that what you will.
Overall There are a ton of reasons why we love Coyote appliances.
Lets speak specifically to Coyotes flat top grill .
Youll notice that in many ways Coyotes flat top grill is similar to the other brands weve discussed.
Thats true!
The 304 stainless steel construction, U-shape burners, 36,000 BTU heat output, 30 size, availability in natural gas or propane, and two individually controlled knobs.
Taking these points Coyote is in good company.
So what makes them different?
Coyote Outdoor Living provides luxury quality appliances at a premium level price.
You get the best value for the money.
And at the end of the day Isnt that all we want?
Most homeowners are looking for a comfortable middle ground.
Economy appliances will have to be repaired or replaced in a couple years. Thats a pain! Since your appliances will be built into an outdoor kitchen This process will be all the more annoying.
Theres nothing wrong with luxury appliances. If you have a sizeable budget Thats great!
What Sets Lynx Apart
When it comes to luxury outdoor kitchen brands, Lynx is one of the names at the top. The level of craftsmanship and quality in their designs is just simply hard to top.
The Trident Infrared Burners are what sets this built-in griddle from the rest. Infrared heating ensures consistent, precise temperatures throughout the entire cooking surface of your griddle.
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Turbo Grills 32 Inch Built
If youre looking for a more budget friendly option, the Turbo Grills Teppanyaki style grill is an excellent choice. I wouldnt call it cheap, but its generally less expensive than other built-in flat top grills.
Most importantly, Turbo Grills delivers the type of high quality you want to see in something that will be permanently installed in your outdoor kitchen. So even though you might be saving a buck, you arent sacrificing so much in the quality department.
Aesthetically, Turbo did a really nice job with the design of this grill. Its stacked with LED lights and visual indicators that notify you of burner usage and allow for you to entertain at night time.
This grill is powered by two U shaped burners that each deliver 20,000 BTUs of power across a 740 square inch cooking surface area. The only gripe I have with this grill is that the griddle surface is only 8 millimeters thick. Most of the time it is not a big issue, but thats a relatively thin cooking surface which can lead to poorer heat control and more hot spots compared to a thicker cooking surface.
Different Types Of Built
There are a few different nuances and variations to the different types of flat top grills on the market. They may or may not make a difference to you, but either way we wanted to touch on these considerations.
Flat Top Grill vs Griddle
Nowadays, the terms flat top grill and griddle are used somewhat interchangeably – even by manufacturers themselves!
Technically speaking, a griddle is a unit that heats with straight line or U shaped burners underneath the cooking surface, whereas a flat top grill utilizes circular shaped burners to heat the surface.
In practice, the only thing that matters is consistent and even heat – and both burner configurations are capable of achieving just that.
Heating Elements: Traditional Gas, Infrared, or Electric
The other big flat top grill consideration is your heating element. Most common is a traditional gas burner that’s fueled by either propane or natural gas. These burners create flames, which heat the air underneath your griddle, which in turn heat the cook top.
Infrared heating elements have become popular in grills in recent years. Infrared burners utilize natural gas or propane to emit infrared waves that directly heat your griddle surface. They’re a consistent and precise option for griddle cooking.
Finally, electric heating elements can be used to heat a griddle surface. These set ups are ideal for indoor use and produce excellent results. You’ll need a dedicated circuit to properly power your built-in electric griddle.
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Ready To Assemble Outdoor Kitchens
Cooking Surface Size: 500 sq. in.
No. of Burners: 2
Like Fire Magic The DCS Series 9 Evolution features a beautiful, sleek look.
This flat top grill is in great company with complete 304 stainless steel construction. As with many of the other brands You wont be disappointed with material quality!
Two burners in U-shape cumulatively throw out 40,000 BTUs of grilling power. Two knobs indicate ability to create two cooking zones with 500 sq in of grilling space.
Like the Fire Magic flat top grills The DCS Series 9 Evolution is available in propane and natural gas. Youll also require electricity for the hot surface ignition system.
The 30 size is great for small and larger families alike.
Sounds good Hows the warranty?
DCS offers a lifetime warranty on the lid, stainless steel frame, burners, and grates. All other components are covered for 2 years.
As for the price Youre looking at $4,199.00. Its one of the more expensive options listed here.
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